If you're referring to the new faster payment scheme, then how long it
actually takes depends on whether *both* banks/BSs are part of it. If they
are, then it's generally about an hour or so. If not, then it's up to 4
days.

And if the amount transferred is below any limit the transmitting bank
/BS has imposed for the faster payment. e.g A&L have a £250 limit.

What a pathetic limit.


ISTR that a limit of £10 is used by some (Nationwide?) ie only payments
less than £10 can go fast.

See BBC Money box at:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programme...ox/8074379.stm

It seems that the service can be intermittent, so you cannot know until
the day you use it if it will work. Thus if you need to pay by a certain
date you need to pay 3-5 days in advance anyway as you cannot be sure
Fastpay will be available.

Seems to be only of use to pay money to friends/family in an emergency
(if it works.) Moneygram may be a better option for that.